Dont get cross, cross stitch: After class resources!

Following the fab workshop at Head & Hands on Monday I thought I'd add a few resources to the blog so participants could go on to finish their wall hoops... 2 hours flew by, we could had stayed there all night stitching and chatting!!!
Lots of you made a great start but yeah, I'd love to see what decorative bits you're adding to your wall hoops... the stitched "sentiments" looked awesome but I know you wanted to do more...

So even if you weren't there and would like to try a bit of Cross Stitching here's a little guide so anyone can start their adventure into subversive cross stitch!

Photo credit: ©Head&Hands

Photo credit: ©Head&Hands

Photo credit: ©Head&Hands

Well, subversive if you want it to be, we won't judge if it's not, and if you use our hints, tips and resources to create panels featuring kittens in baskets then that's fine too. We just want to get people making and getting into the healing and energizing craft flow!
Crafting is definitely not just about making but also about finding time and ways to switch off from the stresses of the modern world!
So if you'd like to join us at a future workshop then sign up to our mailing list here: craftguerrilla@yahoo.com

But if you'd like to try your hand at Cross Stitching here are a few websites which might help you get into the amazing world of Cross Stitching:

Create your own pattern using your own art work and photos -great for flowers, boarders and portraits:

www.myphotostitch.com

For fonts:

www.stitchpoint.com

Intro for beginners:

Though some points like using blunt embroidery needles aren't necessarily a rule in my opinion but a guide... use what you feel is comfortable for you! Remember learning a technique is good but the action and the overall result is what's important:
www.stitcher.co.uk

Subversive Cross Stitch inspiration:

www.google.co.uk

Here are a few photos of our class... we had such a hoot! Thank you all who came and to Amanda for hosting it the beautiful communal space in Central Parade, Walthamstow East London.

Photo credit: ©Head&Hands

Photo credit: ©Head&Hands

If you'd like to know more about Head & Hands and other workshops available there please visit their website!

See you all soon and keep on stitching!!!

Dont get Cross, Cross Stitch!!!

Join us on the 22nd of August for a truly inspired workshop held at the Head & Hands shop communal space in Walthamstow, East London!

Learn the art of subversive cross stitch with us, Craft Guerrilla!
Get crafty and slightly sweary at this friendly workshop, where you'll learn to create your very own expressive cross stitched hoop.
Channel your inner tensions into decorative textiles. Rude, lewd, crude or just plain honest - this workshop is a playful take on the traditional 'home sweet home' sampler.
Instead we celebrate chaos, discord and everyday stresses by keeping our hands busy and making peace with life's micro-aggressions!

The class is all in good humour and during the workshop, participants will be guided through the basics of cross stitching as well as a simple lesson in layout, so you can transfer your design from paper onto fabric.
This workshop promises to be a lot of fun and will also encourage thoughtful and reflective action through creative craft therapy.
All materials, including wall hoop will be provided so you can go away with your very own piece of modern cross stitch art to hang, pride of place in your home.

When

Monday, 22 August 2016 from 19:00 to 20:30 (BST)

Where

E17 4RT - head & hands 6 - 10 Central Parade, Hoe St, London, E17 4RT

To book your tickets please go to : www.eventbrite.co.uk

All you need are "Head & Hands"!

I met Amanda a few years ago and having discussed shop life and the dream of being a small business owner I'm so happy to see that her vision is now a solid one!

Nestled in the new Meanwhile Space "Central Parade"   found in Walthamstow's main commercial artery, Hoe street - it's a mix of incubator start up shops, artist & makers studios, a community café/bakery and also a hot desk space- Amanda's new venture couldn't be more typical of this lady's entrepreneurial spirit and holistic view of the world.

Head & Hands is a space where people are invited to purchase hand made goods (hand picked by Amanda for their quality, charm, beauty and healing properties), experience a head massage and view the work of some amazing makers and artists.
From hand made jewellery, hand made apothecaries, textiles, blended teas, ceramics, illustrated tarot cards to beautifully made macramé wall hangings.
Though this is not solely a shop as the main philosophy behind it is to offer people services which promote and encourage mindful and meditative practices the pieces which are for sale are exceptional as well as beautiful.
I could easily spend a whole heap of cash in there!!!

The premises are compact but welcoming. The space is relaxed and harmonious with a nice flow of energy and grace. You can say it's actually a bit like Amanda!
This artist- come- massage therapist is fully licensed and will treat your mind, body, and soul in her art & therapy salon.
Treatments start from as little as £25 per session and bookings can be made here: headandhands.simplybook.it

We've also heard from Amanda that in future she'll also be organising workshops to help keep those hands busy and heads chilled!
It's been proven that busy hands make for a healthy mind so we're completely on board with this philosophy and we hope to see these workshops up and running soon!!!
This is why I love the concept of this business so much, the offering of holistic well being through creativity is something which resonates with me and I'm sure will with many others too. 

So if you'd like to know more then pop by her little shop or visit the web site.

You can visit Head & Hands at 6-10 Central Parade, Hoe St. Walthamstow E17 4RT.
Open on Monday, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
For full opening times and other information including an online shop visit:
www.headandhands.co.uk


So in a world where emotional and physical well being is many times taken for granted I'm pleased to say that people like Amanda are helping us take back our need for some personal TLC.

Thank you Amanda for offering the community something original and amazing! We wish you luck, though we really don't think you'll need it!